Construction of Houses Using Prefabricated Panels
Houses constructed using prefabricated panels, also known as prefabricated panel houses, are built primarily with prefabricated panels as the main components. These houses have issues such as weak earthquake resistance, limited lifespan, susceptibility to wall cracks and water leakage, and poor thermal insulation and soundproofing performance. Since 2022, China has implemented a policy of urban renewal, focusing on repairs and renovations, and only demolishing dangerous buildings.
The prefabricated panels used in these houses are cement components prefabricated in factories, available in both solid and hollow types. The hollow structure achieves lightweighting by reducing the non-load-bearing concrete. This building form originated in the early 20th century, and many residential buildings constructed in China before 1985 adopted this structure. However, with the development of building technology, cast-in-place concrete and prefabricated buildings have gradually replaced traditional prefabricated panel houses.
Existing prefabricated panel houses have numerous problems. Weak earthquake resistance: Constructed by joining individual prefabricated panels, they lack robustness and toughness. The hollow design and the quantity and distribution of steel bars are less scientific and reasonable than those in cast-in-place houses. In the event of an earthquake, even slight vibrations can loosen the joints between floor panels. Lifespan of about 30-50 years: Over time, issues such as wall cracks and ceiling water leakage may arise. Many older prefabricated panel houses have been identified as “dangerous buildings,” with high repair difficulty and cost. Wall cracks and susceptibility to water leakage: On rainy days, heavy rain outside may lead to light rain inside, with mottled walls, numerous cracks, deformed floors, and leaking windows. Poor thermal insulation: Hot in summer and cold in winter, in extreme weather, the walls seem as thin as paper. In winter, cold air seeps in through wall cracks and around doors and windows; in summer, the indoor temperature remains high even when the outdoor temperature soars. Poor soundproofing: Resulting in a subpar living experience.
Since 2022, China has implemented a policy of urban renewal, focusing on repairs and renovations for prefabricated panel houses, and only demolishing buildings that meet the criteria for dangerous structures. Some regions have already initiated demolition work. Additionally, “prefabricated houses” mainly come in three forms: steel structure, concrete, and wood. Chinese companies have comparative advantages primarily in steel and concrete structures.
